Bengals Rookie Class Quietly Making Noise - Especially the One You Haven’t Heard About
When we talk about rookie contributions this season, there’s one name that’s flown completely under the radar - and that’s exactly how it should be.
William Wagner.
The Bengals’ rookie long snapper has been perfect in his role, and that’s the highest compliment you can give a player at his position. Wagner has been on the field for every one of Evan McPherson’s 26 field goal attempts and 31 extra points, not to mention all 50 of Ryan Rehkow’s punts. And yet, you haven’t heard his name once - because every snap has been right where it needs to be.
That kind of consistency doesn’t just happen. It’s earned.
For over a decade, Bengals fans got used to Clark Harris handling the job with surgical precision. But after Harris went down in Week 1 of the 2022 season, the team learned the hard way just how valuable a reliable long snapper really is.
Mitchell Wilcox had to step in on short notice, and the results were rough - a blocked kick that cost them the game, followed by a high snap that led to a miss. That one afternoon made it painfully clear: when the snap isn’t right, everything else falls apart.
McPherson, understandably, had some trust issues after that. Cal Adomitis never quite earned his full confidence.
Enter Wagner - an undrafted free agent who came in this season, won the job outright, and hasn’t looked back. He’s brought a sense of calm and reliability back to special teams, and that’s no small thing.
But Wagner isn’t the only rookie making an impact.
Third-round pick Dylan Fairchild is quietly shaping up to be a long-term fixture on the Bengals’ offensive line. He’s already shown strong instincts in pass protection, keeping the pocket clean and giving his quarterback time to work.
His run blocking still needs refinement, but the foundation is there. Fairchild looks like a guy you can build around.
And he’s not alone. Fifth-rounder Jalen Rivers has had his ups and downs - he lost his starting job to veteran Dalton Risner - but he’s flashed enough potential to project as a valuable depth piece. That’s the kind of development you want from a mid-round pick: a guy who can step in when needed and grow into a bigger role.
What’s really notable is that for the first time in the Zac Taylor era, the offensive line doesn’t look like a glaring offseason need. That’s a testament to the progress this unit has made - and to the rookies helping drive that progress.
On the other side of the ball, the rookie linebackers have had a rockier road. There were some tough moments again this week - tight ends getting free up the seam, quarterbacks breaking loose for big gains - but not all of that falls on the linebackers. Still, the growing pains are real.
That said, Barrett Carter is starting to steady the ship. Since Week 6, he’s been on the field for every defensive snap - and more than that, he’s been wearing the green dot, calling the defensive signals.
That’s a big responsibility for any player, let alone a rookie, and Carter’s handled it with poise. He’s not perfect, but the arrow’s pointing up.
Demetrius Knight has been more of a wild card. His play has been inconsistent, but there’s no question the Bengals are tapping into his versatility.
Lately, they’ve been using him more on the line of scrimmage, and that’s where he seems most comfortable. He’s a work in progress, but the tools are there.
Then there’s Tahj Brooks - the rookie running back who remains a bit of a mystery. He hasn’t had a major role yet, but there’s intrigue around what he might offer down the line.
And don’t sleep on the practice squad. The Bengals are stashing some intriguing talent there, including defensive back Bralyn Lux, center Seth McLaughlin, and defensive tackle Howard Cross III. All three have shown flashes in limited opportunities and could be part of the bigger picture in the near future.
One more name to watch: Antwaun Powell-Ryland. The newly acquired pass rusher had eye-popping production in college, and if he can translate that to the NFL level, he could be a steal.
Bottom line: this rookie class is giving the Bengals a lot to think about - and a lot to build on. Some, like Fairchild and Carter, are already carving out key roles. Others, like Wagner, are doing their job so well you barely notice them - which, in his case, is exactly the point.
It’s not the flashiest group, but it’s a foundational one. And if these young players keep trending upward, the Bengals’ future looks a whole lot brighter.